Mini Apple Pies Recipe

Mini apple pies are a delightful and adorable twist on the classic apple pie, featuring warm, cinnamon-spiced apples nestled inside a golden, flaky crust.

Perfect for parties, potlucks, or as a personal-sized treat, these mini pies deliver all the cozy flavors of a traditional apple pie in a convenient, handheld size. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these little pies are sure to bring a touch of sweetness to any occasion!

Necessary Kitchen Equipment

• Muffin Tin: To shape and bake the mini pies.
• Rolling Pin: For rolling out the pie crust.
• Pastry Cutter or Round Cookie Cutter: To cut the dough into circles that fit in the muffin tin.
• Mixing Bowl: For tossing the apple filling ingredients.
• Small Saucepan: To lightly cook the apple filling if preferred.
• Fork: For crimping the edges of the crust and for venting the top crust.

Ingredient Overview

• Pie Crust: You can use store-bought pie crust for convenience or homemade crust for extra flavor and texture.
• Apples: Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best balance of sweetness and tartness.
• Sugar: Sweetens the apple filling.
• Cinnamon and Nutmeg: Adds warmth and spice to the filling.
• Butter: Gives the filling a touch of richness.
• Egg Wash: A simple egg wash gives the pies a beautiful golden finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Muffin Tin and Preheat Oven
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin to prevent the mini pies from sticking.
2. Roll Out the Pie Crust
   Roll out the pie crust on a lightly floured surface. Use a round cutter (about 4 inches in diameter) to cut circles of dough. Press each circle into the muffin tin cups, forming a base and sides.
3. Prepare the Apple Filling
   In a mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of peeled and diced apples (about 3-4 apples) with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1 tablespoon of flour. Stir to coat the apples evenly.
4. Fill the Mini Pies
   Spoon a heaping tablespoon of apple filling into each pie crust in the muffin tin, filling it up but not overstuffing. Dot each pie with a small piece of butter.
5. Add the Top Crust
   Cut smaller circles or strips of dough for a lattice crust. Place these on top of the filling, and use a fork to crimp the edges for a rustic look. Alternatively, you can cut out small shapes with a cookie cutter for a decorative top.
6. Brush with Egg Wash
   Whisk 1 egg with a tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush this over the top of each mini pie to give it a golden color when baked.
7. Bake the Mini Apple Pies
   Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Let the pies cool in the tin for about 5 minutes, then carefully remove them and transfer to a cooling rack.

Recipe Tips

• Use Cold Butter in the Crust: If making your own pie crust, use very cold butter for a flakier texture.
• Pre-Cook the Filling: For a softer filling, cook the apple mixture in a saucepan for 5-7 minutes before filling the pies.
• Customize with Other Spices: Add a pinch of cloves or allspice to the filling for extra warmth.

What to Serve With This Recipe

Serve these mini apple pies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra-indulgent treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make these mini apple pies ahead of time?
A: Yes! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate them for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes before serving.

Q: Can I freeze the mini pies?
A: Absolutely. After baking, allow the pies to cool completely, then freeze them in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven before serving.

Serving Suggestions

These mini apple pies are perfect for dessert platters, holiday gatherings, or as an individual dessert served with coffee or tea.

Ingredients

• Pie Crust
  • 1 package of store-bought pie crust or homemade pie crust, chilled
• Apple Filling
  • 3 cups apples, peeled, cored, and diced
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces
• Egg Wash
  • 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon of water

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a muffin tin.
2. Roll out pie crust and cut circles to fit into each muffin cup.
3. Mix apples with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour in a bowl.
4. Spoon apple filling into each crust, dotting with butter.
5. Add top crusts, crimp edges, and brush with egg wash.
6. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until golden. Cool slightly and serve.

Summary

Mini apple pies are a charming and delicious dessert with all the flavors of a traditional apple pie in a convenient mini size. With a golden crust and warm, spiced apple filling, these handheld pies are a perfect fall or holiday treat!

Notes

These mini pies can also be made with other fruit fillings, like pears or mixed berries. Adjust the sugar to taste depending on the sweetness of your fruit. Enjoy!